REVIEW: ‘Transformers,’ Issue #29

Just before Sentinel Prime died, he gave Optimus Prime—once Orion Pax—a warning. But it isn’t until Transformers #29 that we understand what that warning was. Sentinel Prime had a secret that he knew Megatron would want. Now Optimus searches out Perceptor in the Forge, but the Decepticons interrupt to take over the last major facility in the city. Transformers #29 is published by IDW Publishing, written by Brian Ruckley with art by Anna Malkova, colors by David Garcia Cruz, and letters by Jake M. Wood.

Though Titans aren’t a new occurrence in Transformers canon, we haven’t seen much of these giant Transformers in this series specifically. But that’s shaping up to change. When Optimus challenges Perceptor about Sentinel’s last words, so too does the reader learn about some of the dark secrets from both the war and the Autobot-ruled peace. It certainly gives some legitimacy to a few of Megatron’s assertions.

But Ruckely doesn’t seem to want to make picking a side easy. Megatron is about to do something that’ll bring the Titans currently orbiting Cybertron crashing down around them. In the few panels of Megatron interacting with his underlings, we see that his concerns revolve primarily around power. But these selfish concerns are directly contrasted to both Ironhide and Optimus’s selfless worry for innocent lives. This issue continues to exemplify why this series continues to keep me reading—nothing is ever black and white. And there are secrets abound.

As usual, there are a plethora of characters to contend with in Transformers #29. It’s impressive that the creative team can keep track of them all and ensure consistency over 29 issues. The dialogue never fails to bring out the best of each character. Although not as snarky as some past issues, we nevertheless get some gems with Blitzwing and Mindwipe. We also get a subtle nod at the events of Transformers: Escape.

Malkova is a veteran artist on this series, and their art is always a treat. The characters are emotive, despite often lacking prominent facial features. Character designs are consistent with past issues, making each character easy to identify even if they only show up once or twice. Cruz’s colorwork works well hand-in-hand with the artwork. The wide palette of colors not only reflects the Cybertronian penchant for flashy colors but also the tone of every panel, from the bright, almost clinical blues of computer room scenes to the reds used as a background for action panels.

The FX are a real treat in this issue, varying in size, font, and color. Despite the plethora of dialogue, Wood’s letters ease the experience with speech balloons that never overshadow the characters or action and whose transition from character to character is effortless to follow.

Overall, Transformers #29 reveals new secrets about the Autobot rule over Cybertron and promises more revelations in future issues. Once again, the creative team has done a great job on the visuals of this comic. Megatron is so close to ruling Cybertron, so it remains to be seen what the remaining Autobots will do about it. The next issue can’t come fast enough.

Transformers #29 is available now wherever comics are sold.